[One Day Walk] "Traces of Ancients on the Road"... Gangwon-do 'Daegwallyeong Old Road'

[Editor's Note] The Korea Forest Service has selected 30 "Premium Forest Trails for Pleasant Walking" to commemorate the 50th anniversary of national reforestation. The selected trails are suitable for about a day’s hike and are easily accessible, allowing the public to use them comfortably and conveniently. Every Friday, we introduce premium forest trails provided by the Korea Forest Service.

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Today's 10,000-step course is the "Daegwallyeong Old Road" located in Eoheul-ri, Seongsan-myeon, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do.

The Daegwallyeong Old Road served as a trade and transportation route connecting Yeongdong and Yeongseo during the Goryeo and Joseon dynasties.

Even today, this path preserves the original form of the old road intact and allows visitors to enjoy the picturesque natural scenery of Daegwallyeong like a landscape painting.

The Daegwallyeong Old Road is a forest trail starting from "Banjeong" beyond the Daegwallyeong Pass and continuing near the "Daegwallyeong Museum," carrying the sorrows and joys of our ancestors.

Notable historical figures associated with this road include Shin Saimdang, Jeong Cheol, and Kim Hong-do.

It is said that Shin Saimdang walked the Daegwallyeong Old Road with her young son Yulgok when traveling to and from her parental home in Seoul.

Jeong Cheol, inspired by Daegwallyeong, left the masterpiece "Gwandong Byeolgok," and Kim Hong-do created the renowned painting "Daegwallyeongdo." These stories allow visitors to glimpse the footsteps of historical figures along the trail.

The stream flowing through the Daegwallyeong Old Road section briefly helps to forget the summer heat. Photo by Korea Forest Service

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The Daegwallyeong Old Road has been steadily protected and managed, preserving its original form while providing comfortable conditions for visitors to walk. For example, the Korea Forest Service carried out maintenance projects on the Daegwallyeong Old Road consecutively in 2013, 2016, and 2020.

Additionally, the trail was designated as a forest trail (Eastern Regional Office announcement) in 2016 and as a national forest trail in 2021, ensuring ongoing protection and management.

Thanks to these efforts, the trail surface is generally in good condition. Safety facilities such as stairs on slopes and safety ropes (rope railings) on cliffs are installed throughout to help visitors walk safely. The gentle slopes and low difficulty level of the Daegwallyeong Old Road reduce the burden for walkers of all ages and genders.

Restored tavern building and old tavern site in the Daegwallyeong Old Road section. Provided by Korea Tourism Organization

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In particular, the remaining joomak (traditional tavern) sites along the route offer visitors rare sights not easily seen in daily life. Currently, these joomak sites are restored and maintained, preserving the cultural value of the old road while serving as resting places where visitors can take a break during their walk.

The joomak sites were designated as a Scenic Site (Myeongseung, No. 74) in 2010. Scenic Sites are cultural properties designated by the Cultural Heritage Administration when artificial structures harmonized with beautiful natural landscapes are recognized for their historical, academic, or scenic value.

The Daegwallyeong Old Road can be accessed via National Route 456 through the Eoheul-ri Forest Tourism Information Center or near the Daegwallyeong Museum. Parking lots are available, making it convenient to access by private vehicles or large buses. The trail also connects to the Daegwallyeong Healing Forest (Healing Forest Trail), Daegwallyeong Pine Forest Trail, and the Jewangsan Mountain hiking trail, making it a useful location for visitors to explore the surrounding area selectively.

Provided by Korea Forest Service

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Main stops: Banjeong ~ Joomak site ~ Haje Civil Service Center

Course length: 4.53 km

Estimated time: 2 hours